Subscribe to my Newsletter!

Cheap Paper Lanterns

Lovely Illumination

Cheap paper lanterns are a major bang-for-your-bridal-buck wedding decoration. Gorgeous both indoors and out, hanging in a tent, floating from trees or dangling from shepherd’s hooks staked in the ground – they are one of the most impactful wedding decorations I’ve ever seen.

Already a favorite among DIY brides, lovely illuminating lanterns can be found easily, and at super budget friendly prices.

Cheap paper lanterns come in all colors of the rainbow, different designs, as well as in various shapes and sizes. They can be used to start – or finish – the look of your wedding reception decor. A growing number of daytime wedding receptions are being decorated with paper lanterns because even unlit they complete the look and set the mood - whether it be relaxed casual, celebratory chic or elegantly traditional.

Before I talk about the best sources, a little homework on your part is needed.

* Before purchasing your lanterns, find out the size of your space – whether it be a tent, barn, ballroom or other type of reception area. You don’t want to buy 5 lanterns if you have to spread them out over several hundred feet, and you don’t want to buy 50 lanterns if your space is very limited. Also keep in mind the height of the room/space and how you will place the lanterns.*If you are having trouble choosing colors to match, remember that you can never go wrong with just white paper lanterns.* To create depth, dimension and a truly striking appearance (your guests WILL say “wow” as they see it for the first time), choose several different sizes of them and hang them at varied heights.* When you are purchasing your paper lanterns, pay attention to whether or not the lantern comes with the lighting set (if you need them to be lit) or if it is sold separately. (99% of the time it is sold separately – and it can be pricey). If you want to save a truckload of cashola and make your own lighting for the lanterns, see this incredible post on weddingbee on how to make paper lanterns. Need help with placement logistics? Check out this equally incredible post on weddingbee!

Best Sources for Cheap Paper Lanterns

I’ve seen paper lanterns in lots of national chains for anywhere from a few dollars on sale, to $7 or $8 just for one (small) paper lantern. And the selection was pretty pitiful. These are not the best sources for cheap paper lanterns - your best sources are going to be online. There is really no shortage of online retailers that offer paper lanterns and their illumination counterparts, but the prices can vary greatly. Thanks to my latest obsession with these fabulous wedding decor lovelies, I’ve been able to find the most economical online sources for paper lanterns.

As I said, there is no shortage of paper lantern sources, even ones that tout being “wholesale paper lantern” sources. However, regardless of what they are calling themselves, there are 2 online sources that are by far the cheapest out of any other store I’ve come across:Luna Bazaar and Paper Lantern Store.

While some places claiming to be the best deal on the WWW have prices listed at around $2.70 for a 10 inch paper lantern, Luna Bazaar and Paper Lantern Store have that very same 10 inch lantern for as low as $1 each. Yep, just a buck. Quite a difference, and as y’all know every bridal buck adds up to lots of bridal bucks.

I love all things wedding, but paper lanterns – CHEAP paper lanterns- have become one of my newest and most favorite obsessions. It’s an unbelievably budget friendly way to make your space look like a million bucks. Whether you are going for modern, elegant, playful, casual, chic or traditional – it works wonderfully with any type of mood and “theme.”